Abstract

Background. Healthcare systems in industrialised countries are challenged to provide
care for a growing number of older adults. Information technology holds the promise of
facilitating this process by providing support for care staff, and improving wellbeing of
older adults through a variety of support systems. Goal. Little is known about the
challenges that arise from the deployment of technology in care settings; yet, the
integration of technology into care is one of the core determinants of successful
support. In this paper, we discuss challenges and opportunities associated with
technology integration in care using the example of a mobile robot to support physical
therapy among older adults with cognitive impairment in the European project
STRANDS. Results and discussion. We report on technical challenges along with
perspectives of physical therapists, and provide an overview of lessons learned which
we hope will help inform the work of researchers and practitioners wishing to integrate
robotic aids in the caregiving process.